Dutch Centrist D66 Gains Ground, Far-Right Freedom Party Loses Seats

In the recent Dutch parliamentary elections, the far-right Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders suffered a significant defeat, losing 12 seats and falling to 25 seats in the 150-seat parliament. The centrist liberal Democrats 66 (D66), led by Rob Jetten, surged to win 26-27 seats, positioning themselves as the likely leaders of the next government coalition. Jetten, who would become the Netherlands' youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister, campaigned on progressive issues including housing, education, and immigration, while opposing Wilders' anti-Islam and anti-immigration rhetoric. The election result marks a rebuke to populist far-right movements in Europe and signals a potential shift away from extremist politics in the country. However, coalition talks are expected to be complex, as no single party secured a majority, requiring alliances with multiple parties. This outcome has been viewed both nationally and internationally as a victory for centrist and inclusive politics over divisive far-right agendas.